Avalon V55 Pure Class A Microphone Preamplifier, Silver

The Avalon V55 is a dual channel, Pure Class A Microphone Preamplifier, DI Instrument preamp and features transformer isolated outputs for RE-AMPING. The V55 will capture every magical performance and continues Avalon's passion and commitment to SONIC EXCELLENCE while delivering deep and controlled bass, musical midrange for enhanced vocal projection and ultra high impedence "transparent" instrument inputs.

Avalon DI-preamplifiers have been in use around the world since 1985. They have found their way into the world's leading musicians rigs and recording sessions and have been featured on thousands of the best selling (and sounding) albums, downloads and live performances. The V55 includes the best of the Avalon U5 DI functions with two studio quality preamplifiers and "a new sonic addition". Two alternate solid-state topologies are cascaded to provide a rich, low midrange harmonic content not offered in other Avalon preamplifiers. This feature empowers the V55 with a new scale of sonic character.

SONIC EXCELLENCE
The Avalon V55 DI-RE-MIC Preamplifer is an ultra-high-performance professional dual channel preamplifier, DI and RE-amper. Created for maximum versatility, the V55's sonic signature - "Deep and Controlled Bass, Musical Mid-range and enhanced Vocal Projection" combine with a unique set of user features including, 100% discrete Pure Class A amplification, Avalon's unique "passive" TONE-BANK, professional VU meter with dual peak LED's, multiple outputs including an instrument level transformer isolated Re-amp. Designed to optimize absolute signal integrity and musical performance, the V55 is ideal for ribbon, dynamic and condenser microphones, bass guitar, acoustic instruments, electric guitars, keyboards, synthesizers, and very low output passive pickups.

The state-of-the-art DI input stage provides a very-high inpedance, "zero-load" effect on sensitive pickups and keyboards, while maintaining massive input headroom to +36dB before overload.

MINIMUM SIGNAL PATH DESIGN
The V55 includes a very high quality input transformer (same as the Avalon VT-737sp) with dual microphone input impedance loading for perfect mic/cable matching, high-cut switch for eliminating unwanted acoustic pickup and high frequency noise, headphone monitor amp and DC coupled, 100% Class A output amplifiers for defined bass control. A buffered "thru" output for zero-instrument-load tuners or power amp inputs, internal toroid power transformer with discrete high-voltage power supplies for low noise and sealed silver relays for transparent signal routing.

Key Features

• Dual Mono, Pure Class A, 100% discrete design
• Forward musical detail and sonic excellence
• Minimum audio signal path with 10 position extended range TONE-BANK
• High quality transformer input & isolated output
• Microphone and Hi-Z inputs to +36dB
• Very low noise -100dB
• High headroom +30dB
• Switched 2dB, high-gain preamplifer to +66dB
• DC coupled Pure Class A output
• Large illuminated professional VU meter
• Twin LED peak signal indicators
• Regulated +48v phantom power supply
• Low distortion less than 0.5% THD and IMD
• Variable passive high pass (bass cut) filter
• All signal routing with sealed silver relays

Technical Specifications

Audio Circuit Topology
100% discrete, high-voltage, Class A, Dual-Channel
Gain
Switched 2dB steps, -/+ 0.2dB
Input Modes (4)
Line, Instrument-DI, Microphone high-Z & low-Z
LINE (transformer)
Balanced 9,000 OHM, XLR~TRS, gain -2dB~+38dB, max. input 47dB
INSTRUMENT ~ DI
Unbalanced 10,000,000 OHM, TRS, gain +2dB~+42dB, max. input 36dB
MICROPHONE HiZ (transformer)
Balanced 6,600 OHM, XLR, gain +20dB ~ +60dB, max. input 23dB
MICROPHONE LoZ (transformer)
Balanced 1,800 OHM, XLR, gain +26dB ~ +66dB, max. input 19dB
PAD (passive input attenuator)
Line -13dB, Instrument -10dB & Microphone -15dB
Phantom Power
48V regulated @10mA, blue=power ON, red=phantom ON
Thru output
Unbalanced, impedance buffered TRS
Maximum line ouput level
+30dB, DC coupled, balanced 600 OHM, XLR~TRS
Maximum isolated output level
+12dB transformer isolated, unbalanced
Headphone output
0.5W, 600 OHM, TRS
Noise 20kHz, unweighted
-98dBu typical, minimum gain
Noise (EIN) 22Hz-22kHz
-128dB @ 40dB gain (low Z microphone output)
Distortion THD, IMD
0.05% at +10dB, 0.5% at +30dBu
Frequency response, -/+0.5dB
5Hz to 20kHz
Frequency response, -3dB
2Hz to 500kHz (internal band limited)
VU Meter
Professional moving coil VU, wide range -33dB ~ +18dB
Signal LED's
LED peak capture, blue=0dB, red=20dB
High Cut Filter
-3dB at 3.7kHz minimum phase design
Polarity reverse (phase)
All outputs (relay switched)
Tone Shape
Ten "passive" filter-tone selections
AC power
Internal toroidal AC supply, dual voltage, 115~230v selectable 50/60Hz, 35w max per channel
Dimensions
19 x 3.5 x 12 in (483 x 88 x 305mm)
Weight-packed
24lbs (10.9kg)